General Saga of the knocking front end.

[Bollo123]

Hello.

We have what seems to be an ongoing mystery noise at the front near of our panda ( 2003 1100cc) It appeared to be a bearing problem as when I turn the steering, I get the familiar sound. I have replaced the drive shaft and all the bearings on this side including the CV joint. The car has also had all the rack and pinion parts replaced. There is no undue tyre wear. The only other problem we have is a speedo cable rattle. Could this be causing a problem further back to where it (I assume) meets the drive shaft. Now driving me bonkers. Help !!!

 

[andyholli]

I like a mystery.
Mine was a faulty strut that looked okay and passed an MOT but rattled as you describe.
Swapping strutts side to side to check was quick and free.

Happy hunting.

 

[Bollo123]

Thanks for your comment - never thought of that. Will look into it. Cheers!!!

 

[AndyPanda4x4]

Hi there, as Andy said it could be a strut, maybe the top bearing? Have you checked the bottom arms for play and whether the mounts to the body are corroded and/or broken? Also maybe a bottom ball joint? It may also be possible that it is the engine mounts or gearbox mount bushes - especially if it is affecting your speedo. Hope you get it sorted

 

[Dragon Man]

i had a knock on mine and i could not find out for the life of me what it was.. it passed road safety test with it too.

it turned out to be the bottom ball joint right at the bottom of the wheel bearing surround.
it only moved a tiny bit but it was enough to make it knock.

worth checking, then compare it to the other side..